Semiconductor Physics – Complete Notes
These notes cover the fundamentals of semiconductor physics as prescribed for Class 12 and
competitive exams like JEE and MHT-CET.
1. Introduction to Semiconductors
Semiconductors are materials whose electrical conductivity lies between conductors and insulators.
Examples include Silicon (Si) and Germanium (Ge).
The conductivity of semiconductors increases with increase in temperature, unlike metals.
2. Energy Bands in Solids
In solids, electrons occupy specific energy bands: Valence Band, Conduction Band, and Forbidden
Energy Gap.
Conductors have overlapping bands, insulators have large band gaps, and semiconductors have
small band gaps (~1 eV).
At absolute zero, semiconductors behave like insulators.
3. Intrinsic Semiconductors
Pure semiconductors are called intrinsic semiconductors.
Charge carriers are electrons and holes, generated due to thermal energy.
Electron concentration = Hole concentration in intrinsic semiconductors.
Examples: Pure Silicon and Germanium.
4. Extrinsic Semiconductors
When impurities are added to intrinsic semiconductors, they become extrinsic semiconductors.
There are two types: n-type and p-type semiconductors.
Doping increases conductivity significantly.
5. n-Type Semiconductor
Doped with pentavalent impurities like Phosphorus, Arsenic.
Extra electrons become majority carriers; holes are minority carriers.
Donor energy level lies close to conduction band.
6. p-Type Semiconductor
Doped with trivalent impurities like Boron, Gallium.
Holes are majority carriers; electrons are minority carriers.
Acceptor energy level lies close to valence band.
7. Semiconductor Diode
A p-n junction diode allows current to flow in one direction only.
Formed by joining p-type and n-type semiconductors.
Used as rectifier in power supplies.
8. Biasing of p-n Junction
Forward Bias: p-side connected to positive terminal, n-side to negative.
Reverse Bias: p-side connected to negative terminal, n-side to positive.
Forward bias reduces barrier potential; reverse bias increases it.
9. Diode Characteristics
V-I characteristics show relationship between voltage and current.
Knee voltage: ~0.7V for Silicon, ~0.3V for Germanium.
In reverse bias, small leakage current flows.
10. Zener Diode
Specially designed diode to operate in reverse breakdown region.
Used as voltage regulator.
Zener breakdown occurs at low voltage due to strong electric field.
11. Transistor
A transistor is a three-terminal semiconductor device used for amplification and switching.
Types: NPN and PNP.
Terminals: Emitter, Base, Collector.
12. Logic Gates
Logic gates are electronic circuits that perform logical operations.
Basic gates: AND, OR, NOT.
Universal gates: NAND, NOR.
Used in digital electronics and computers.